by Ancelli
She laid her head back, and when he massaged her stomach with his large hands, the baby kicked.
“That feels so weird, but in a good way, knowing that a baby is growing inside you. Hey, little one, I’m Uncle Matt. Be nice for your mommy.”
***
He kept rubbing the top of her stomach until he realized that both mom and baby were calm. He looked down, and Shannon was asleep. He stayed there, holding her, until he fell asleep, too.
He woke up to his phone vibrating in his pants. He pulled it out and saw a text from Karen.
Where are you?
He texted back. I’m with Shannon; she wasn’t feeling well. I’ll be home soon.
I hope she feels better soon. After dinner, I’m going out with friends.
Have fun.
He put the phone on the floor next to him. He just couldn’t stop staring at her. You don’t know how beautiful you are. He put his hands on her stomach again. The baby jumped, and he smiled. I know I shouldn’t be feeling this, but I wish you were mine. It took him a minute to slide out from under her. Making sure not to wake her, he picked her up and carried her to her bed, tucked her in, and left.
Chapter Eight
Matt and Karen walked out the restaurant after having dinner with her friends. He opened the door for her, and then he walked over to his side of his SUV and jumped in. He plugged his cell phone in to charge. It had died during dinner.
“That was fun. Thank you for paying the bill for all my friends,” she said, turning to look out the window.
“You’re welcome.” He turned on his cell phone. Looking at the screen, he saw his brother had called him seven times. He picked it up and dialed the number, placing it on speaker. “Andrew, what’s wrong?”
“Matt, Uncle Victor had a stroke. He’s in surgery. I tried to call you earlier. I’m at Mercy Hospital with Dad.”
“My cell died. I’m on my way.” He hung up the phone and turned the car around.
“Where are you going?” Karen asked.
“To the hospital. Didn’t you hear my uncle is in surgery?” he asked, not bothering to mask the irritation in his voice.
“Take me home.” She looked at him.
“What did you just say?” He glanced back at her and then looked forward.
“I said take me home, I’m sleepy.”
“You must be kidding me. My uncle is in the hospital and all you can think about is going home to fucking sleep?” He squeezed the steering wheel in anger.
“Look, Matt, I don’t really know your uncle.” She crossed her arms. “Take me home.”
Matt turned the car around, not wanting to argue, and drove her home. She tried to kiss him goodbye, and he pulled away. She got out of the car.
“Call me and let me know how’s he’s doing?”
He didn’t say another word. As soon as she closed the door, he sped off.
***
Matt raced through the doors into the emergency room. His father, brother, and his Uncle Victor’s wife, Carmen, sat together. He walked over and sat next to his dad. “He’s in surgery,” his dad said with teary eyes.
“He’s going to be okay, Dad, Uncle Victor is strong.” Andrew said looking exhausted.
“Andrew is right, Dad.” Matt put his arms around his dad’s shoulders and hugged him. “Dad, do you need anything?”
His dad said, “No, son. You two being here is enough. Gracias.”
“De nada, Papa.”
They all sat in silence, waiting to hear from the doctors. The nurse came out and gave them an update. The surgery was going well.
The elevator opened, and Shannon came running out. She wore a wrap around her head, a T-shirt, and sweatpants that showed her big belly. He smiled, stood, and walked over to her. “What are you doing here?”
She hugged him. “I know how much your uncle means to you. I’m here for support.”
He hugged her back tightly. “How did you find out?”
She pulled away. “Andrew called me when you didn’t answer your phone. I hope you don’t mind me coming.”
“I don’t mind it at all, Mamita. We need all the support we can get.”
She went over to his dad and hugged him. “God is watching over your brother. If you need anything, I’m here.”
His dad hugged her back and said, “Thank you.”
She hugged Andrew and Carmen, telling them that everything would be okay. She turned back to Matt.
“Where’s your wife?”
“She’s sleeping,” he said sarcastically. “I don’t want to talk about that now. Shannon, if something happens to my uncle, my dad will be broken. It’s been the two of them against the world.” He smiled. “I remember growing up, wishing I would have the same relationship with my brother that they had, and I have that. If anything happened to Andrew, I would lose a piece of me. That’s how I know how Dad’s feeling right now.”
“Do you believe in God?” She took his hand.
“You know I do,” he said, staring at her.
“Come with me.” She pulled him by the hand. They reached the small chapel in the hospital. “We need to pray.”
“I haven’t prayed in a long time. What if he doesn’t listen?”
“He will listen to you. He always does.” She kissed his hand, then let it go.
He opened the doors and walked in. Shannon followed behind him. “Will you pray with me?” He took her hands in his.
“Yes.” She kneeled in front of the altar, and he joined her.
“Dear Lord, we come to you asking that you look over Uncle Victor….” He finished praying, got up, and then he helped her up. “Thank you.” He kissed her cheek.
“We should get back to your family.” They left the chapel.
Andrew ran up to them, smiling. “He’s out of surgery. He’s alive and they think he’s going to be fine. He might need speech therapy, but we won’t know that until he wakes up. Dad and Carmen are in with him in the recovery room.”
“He answered our prayers that fast,” she said, slightly jumping up and down, smiling.
“Thank God.” He touched her cheek and stared at her. “Thank you for being here with me and my family. You don’t know how much it meant to me.” He hugged her. “You need to go home and take care of your baby.” He pulled away, rubbing her stomach.
“Now that I know he’s going to be fine, I’ll leave, but if you guys need anything, call me.” She hugged them both and made her way to the elevator.
Matt hugged Andrew. “He’s going to be okay.”
They waited for their uncle to be moved to a private room. His phone vibrated, signaling he’d received a text. He looked at the screen. The text was from Karen.
I hope your uncle is okay. He just looked and turned off his phone.
Chapter Nine
Sherry’s assigned mission was to keep Shannon away from her house so her mom and the other guests could get ready for her surprise baby shower. But Sherry could never keep a secret. She told Shannon about the baby shower, and her excuse was, “I don’t want you to get freaked out and go into labor.”
Shannon was about to open her front door when Sherry grabbed her arm. “Shannon, act surprised.”
“I’ll try,” she said, turning the doorknob.
“Surprise!” everyone yelled when she opened the door.
Shannon covered her mouth in mock surprise, looking at the room full off people. She grabbed her stomach in pain. “Ouch!” she yelled.
They all looked at her in horror.
Her mother, Joy, came rushing towards her. Her mom was a petite mocha-skinned woman of American-West Indies extraction, with salt-and-pepper naturally kinky hair. “What’s wrong?” Concern filled her eyes.
Shannon laughed, looking at the expression on everyone’s faces. “Just kidding.”
Her mom smacked her on the arm. “That’s not funny.” She turned away.
“Thank you, everyone,” she said, walking over to her designated seat, decorated with ribbons.<
br />
There were people from work, friends, family, and Karen, whom she hadn’t seen in months.
Her mother had cooked an array of food, from West Indies to American. “Everything is ready, ladies.”
The group ate till they were content. “Mom that was so delicious. I’m so full.” Sherry said patting her stomach.
“I second that, my button is about to pop.” One of the ladies’ said pointing at her pants.
When they all finished eating, the baby shower games began.
“I won,” Karen squealed, putting the toilet paper around Shannon’s belly. Shannon just stared at Karen when the baby moved.
“Wow, that was weird.” Karen said, removing her hand.
“You never felt your baby?” Shannon whispered, moving back slightly.
“I guess not.” Karen took a seat.
Shannon just stared at her. When Karen had her miscarriage, she’d been about five months pregnant. She never felt her baby flutter? Well I guess all women and pregnancies are different.
“Time to open the presents.” Sherry handed the gifts to her mom for Shannon to open.
Shannon opened all the baby’s gifts. She had enough diapers and baby wipes to last her a year. “Thank you all.”
***
Almost everyone had left except for Mrs. Joy, Sherry, and Karen. Shannon just stood in the hallway by her room, staying out of sight, feeling guilty being around Karen.
“I called Matt, he’s on his way to pick me up.” Karen sat down on the couch.
“We could’ve taken you home,” Shannon’s mom said clearing the table.
She looked up at her. “That’s okay, ma’am, he’s in the area.”
There was a knock on the door. Shannon’s mother walked over to the door and opened it. “Matt.” She hugged him. “It’s been a long time.”
Matt hugged her back and kissed her cheek. “It has. How are you doing, Mom?”
“I’m great! My baby is having a baby.” She stepped away, letting him inside, and closed the door behind him. “Even if it’s not the way I wanted it to happen.”
“Mom, she’ll be a great mother because you were her example.”
“You’re so sweet, Matt. Are you hungry?” she asked, moving towards the kitchen.
“Not really,” he answered, walking over to Sherry and kissing her on the cheek. “Where’s Shannon?” He continued over to Karen and gave her a peck on her lips. “Hi, sweetie.”
“She’s in her room.” Sherry got up to help her mother in the kitchen.
“Well, I’m making you a plate. I made enough food to feed an army!” Mrs. Joy yelled from the kitchen.
“Okay, Mom.”
Karen leaned closer to him. “I’m ready to leave.”
“I’m not disrespecting Mrs. Joy like that. What’s so important you need to leave now?” he whispered.
“You suggested I come. I’ve been here long enough. I mean, she’s your friend, not mine,” she whispered back.
Mrs. Joy came out the kitchen with a plate in her hand, and she placed it on the dining room table. “Matt, your food is on the table,” she said, walking back to the kitchen to finish cleaning up.
“Sherry sent you an invitation. You didn’t have to come if you didn’t want to. We’re leaving when I’m finished eating,” he said, moving to the table. Sherry walked over to the table and sat with him.
“So, Matt, when are you two having a baby?” Sherry asked, staring at him.
Shannon walked out as her sister was asking Matt the question. She stared at Matt with sympathy in her eyes. “Sherry, that’s none of your business.”
Sherry looked at her. “Did I say something wrong?”
“It’s okay, Shannon.” He looked at Shannon then over at Sherry. “Karen and I can’t have kids,” he said, continuing to eat.
“What he meant to say is I can’t have kids,” Karen said, staring at Matt.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Sherry got up, and stalked back into the kitchen.
“She didn’t know.” Shannon walked over to Karen. “Are you okay?” She touched her on the shoulder.
“Yes, I’m great,” she said sarcastically, leaning away. “I’m okay with not being able to have kids. We’ve been thinking of adopting.” She looked over at Matt.
“I’m happy for you guys. I know you’ll make good parents.” Shannon sat down.
Matt finished eating, getting up and entered the kitchen to wash his plate. “Thank you, Mom. It was delicious as always.” He washed the plate and put it on the rack.
“I could’ve done that,” Sherry said, not looking at him.
He walked over to Sherry and hugged her. “You’re okay.” Then he left the kitchen.
Karen stood up. “It’s been nice.”
“Is the baby still sticking his feet in your ribs?” Matt asked staring at Shannon belly.
“Not really. Now the baby likes to push on my bladder. That doesn’t hurt, but it makes me run to the bathroom.” She smiled, touching her round belly. “How’s your uncle’s therapy coming along?”
“He’s doing great. Therapy has helped him a lot. When you see him, you won’t even notice he had a stroke.” Matt moved towards the door. “I have something for you. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll wait in the car.” Karen followed him out.
When Matt came back in, her mom and sister were sitting next to Shannon on the couch.
“Oh, Matt, that’s beautiful,” Shannon said, trying to get up. Sherry pushed her up.
Matt had a hand-carved wood bassinet in his hands with blue lace wrapped around it. “It was my brother’s and then mine when we were newborns,” he said, staring back at her. “I want you to have it.”
“Matt, are you sure? You should keep it in your family.” She got teary-eyed.
He caressed the side of her face. “You’re family to me. I know where to come if I ever get the opportunity to have one of my own.” He took her hand.
Shannon pulled him in for a hug. “Thank you, this means so much to me,” she whispered in his ear.
He hugged her tighter, with her big baby bump between them. “You’re so very welcome, Mamita.”
She saw the way her mother and sister just stared at their interaction.
He pulled away and gently kissed her. “I’ll see you later.” He rubbed her belly before turning then walked over to her mom and sister, bending down to kiss them goodbye as well.
He walked out the door, closing it behind him.
“What was that?” her mom asked.
“Yeah, Shannon,” Sherry said. “What was that?”
Shannon rolled her eyes. “I’m tired. I’m going to take a nap. Thank you for everything. I love you guys,” she said, walking to her bedroom.
***
Matt opened the door to his SUV, and jumped in. He could tell Karen was agitated by the way she looked. She sat with her arms crossed.
“Why did you give her our bassinet?” She asked annoyed at him.
“I gave her my bassinet because we aren’t using it.” He turned on the car and drove off.
“It’s been in your family since your brother was born. Why give it to her? Your brother might have a baby someday.”
“I gave it to her because she’s like family to me. When, and if, Andrew has a baby, she’ll have no problem giving it back to him. You told Shannon we were thinking of adopting. I guess you changed your mind?” He glanced at her.
“I told her about the adoption because I didn’t want her sympathy. After losing our baby, I don’t want kids.”
“You made that decision without discussing it with me. We are married, Karen. Those kinds of decisions should be made together. You knew I wanted kids.”
“I can’t have kids, Matt!” she yelled, facing him.
“I’m sorry about that, but there are other ways. We can get a surrogate or adopt. I don’t care if the child is biologically mine or not. I would love to be a father someday.”
“I do care. I
f the baby isn’t biologically mine, I don’t want it, and since I can’t have a baby, the answer is no.”
“If we get a surrogate, the baby can biologically be yours. We can go to a fertility clinic and see what they say.” She gave him a crazy look. “Did you ever really want children?”
She didn’t answer his last question. “Fine, Matt. If this is so important to you, I’ll look into it.”
I know she’s not going to look into it. I should’ve waited and gotten to know her better.
The baby was an accident. It wasn’t in her plans. He couldn’t stop his brain from racing with theories. But he kept quiet and continued looking down the highway.
Chapter Ten
Matt woke up to the ringing of his phone. “Hello?” he answered, upset.
“Matt, it’s Sherry.”
“Sherry, it’s freaking two in the morning.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know who else to call. Shannon’s in labor at the hospital, and she’s all alone.”
Matt jumped out of bed, waking Karen. “Why is she alone?”
“She had two more weeks until her due date. My parents went to visit my brother in South Carolina, and I left town, but I’m on my way back. Please, Matt, can you go stay with her until I arrive? I might not get there until tomorrow morning.”
“You don’t even have to ask. I’m getting ready. I’ll be there.” He headed to the bathroom.
“Matt, thank you.”
“Bye, Sherry.” He hung up the phone, brushed his teeth, and hurried to get dressed.
“What happened, Matt?” Karen asked, concerned.
“Shannon is in labor, and there’s no one there with her. You don’t mind me going there until her sister shows up, do you?” he asked, pulling up his jeans.
“No, I don’t mind. She’s your friend. Call me and let me know what’s going on. Be safe driving to the hospital.”
He walked over to their bed and kissed her before leaving the bedroom.